Spoiler alert: I didn’t do it to build an empire, quit my day job, or make a better life for my family. I also didn’t do it because I found the next greatest miracle product.
Another spoiler alert: I found a company that works for me. If you decide to venture into a side gig of your own, find one that works for you. Makeup, health supplements, hair care, kitchen supplies, jewelry, clothing—the possibilities are endless.
I have twin six-year-olds we fondly call aliens. I have a full-time job as an attorney at a local firm. I am involved in my community. Clearly, I don’t have enough on my plate. About two years ago, a friend approached me with this new product she really liked. I tried it, liked it, and bought it from her but had zero interest in “the opportunity.” Fortunately, she’s a good friend and a super chill salesperson. She happily kept taking my money. Just before my brain completely melted out of my ears at my very tedious job, my friend happened to message with a “hey girl hey” message, and I actually stopped to think about it. Buy-in was super inexpensive. Required product purchase was well within what I was already buying for myself. And I happened to like the product. Fine. I signed up.
My plan was just to get the distributor discount for my own stuff. I wasn’t going to be THAT girl who hit up everyone she knew, met, or could corner in the local HEB. The joke became that I was #notselling. But then, I signed up for some vendor events; I told my friends I was selling; and before I knew it, I actually had a decent little business going.
I have since changed jobs and am now mostly too busy to think. I spend my days putting out fires, helping clients, arguing with other attorneys, and pleading my case to judges. I’m exhausted at the end of most days. I thought this little business was done. But, as my sales decreased, the other benefits I hadn’t noticed came to the forefront. When I sat and thought about the reasons I originally signed up, money was at the bottom of the list. And all the other reasons keep me active in the company.
Right Brain, Left Brain
My job is fairly technical. I have to be exact and specific. My side hustle is all creativity. I get to play with the products, and have fun with my friends with the products. I get to try new things that I wouldn’t otherwise think about. I get to help other people find creative solutions. When I go to events, I get to stand at a table and chat with people all day.
The Relationships
My friend has built a team of people just like her: crazy, creative, low-stress women. I’ve made new friends and confidantes. We lift each other up on rough days and celebrate even the tiniest victories. Who couldn’t use a supportive tribe (or two)?
Time with My Kid
My daughter loves to play with my makeup. She is quickly becoming a gloss addict like her mom. But she also frequently asks for hearts, stars, and whatever else strikes her fancy. Using my limited (but growing) artistic skill, I can create most of those. We brainstorm Halloween costumes and what we can paint on her face. We put on our warpaint for football games. School theme dress-up days are an excuse to experiment. When we went to Disney, I adorned her face or hands with different Mickey heads each day. All she sees is time playing with Mom, and I love the memories we get to make.
Money
I mean, come on—what’s the point of a side hustle if you’re not getting SOME financial benefit out of it, right? I’m not quitting my day job anytime soon. I wouldn’t want to; I love what I do. But I do make enough to pay for the stuff I’m already buying, and that’s pretty cool.
If you’re thinking you may want a side hustle—for whatever reason—let me offer some things I’ve learned.
- Pick something you already love. Makeup maven? Cooking queen? Jewelry or fashion diva? Health nut? Book guru? It wasn’t too long ago that your options were limited. But now there are literally dozens of choices. You can’t sell something you don’t love. People know fake.
- Pick the right team. This makes all the difference. These people should be your cheerleaders and your support system. Yes, you are all selling the same product. But there’s enough business out there for everyone. A rising tide lifts all boats. Plus, you’ll have a lot more fun with people you actually like.
- Know the company. It may be a side hustle, but you are still starting a real business. Make sure you know about the company you are joining, including their compensation plan (e.g., how you make money), their expectations of you, and how you earn perks and benefits.
- Set your expectations appropriately. If your goal is to become financially independent, there are much easier ways to do it. The people I know who are making a real business of this work their tails off. They would probably be just as successful in any number of other sales jobs. If your goal is to spend a couple of hours a week, make some new friends, and maybe go to some parties, don’t expect a full-time salary from part-time work.
- Set your financial plan FIRST. It’s really easy to get pulled into the excitement of new stuff and access to products other people can’t get. In this day and age of quick credit, it’s also really easy to find yourself underwater. Before you jump in, decide how much you’re willing to spend and then stick to it! All the good-feeling benefits to a side hustle are quickly washed away when you find yourself in debt, or staring at a room full of product you can’t sell.
My favorite thing about having this extra business? I can pick it up or put it down as I like. The holidays were super busy and super fun. I’ve done basically nothing with it since then. And that’s OK. The other benefits remain, and the business will still be there for me when I’m ready to jump back in. I’ll leave the empire building to others and keep my little side hustle on the side.
